By Marie Tonette Marticio
TACLOBAN CITY - A 64-year-old Philippine pedicab loop rider is aiming for a spot in the Guinness Book of World Record by riding his pedicab from Luzon to Mindanao.
(Photo courtesy of Rene Castino / MANILA BULLETIN)
Ricardo "Karding" Limsi, a taho vendor from Novaliches, Quezon City spent a night in his hometown in Catbalogan City, Samar on Wednesday before he heads to General Santos City and other parts of Mindanao.
He started his journey on December 11 from Ilocos Norte by riding the pedicab that he uses to sell taho, then went to Panay Island, Roxas, Capiz, Iloilo, via Batangas going to Visayas.
"It's my second attempt since 2017 to tour around the country to get the attention of President Rodrigo Duterte, Senators Cynthia Villar and Manny Pacquiao to help me with my livelihood," he shared.
"Nagbiyahe ako sa Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao para maunawaan at matulungan ako. Gusto kong makapagpatayo ng sarili kong pabrika ng taho," he said.
According to him, he only wanted to seek help from the government on his first attempt however he failed to reach said officials.
He tried again this time hoping to receive monetary award from Guinness, unfortunately, he learned that he will not receive it should he get the Guinness record.
Luckily, he met various Ford Everest Clubs and other rider clubs, which gave him assistance throughout his journey.
It boosted his optimism to continue with his trip, hoping to receive more help for his dream taho factory.
"Hindi lang pansarili itong ginagawa ko, kung makatanggap ako ng tulong ibabalik ko din sa ibang tao," he added.
Limsi said it will take him another week to reach Mindanao via General Santos City.
He also plans to go to Davao, Cotabato and other areas in Mindanao before he goes home.